R. H.
Dublin.
Presbyterian Oath.
—The author of the Faggot of French Sticks remarks, that he never remained ignorant of anything which excited his attention in the streets of Paris when any one passing by could give him the information required: so now that there is such a living encyclopædia to consult as "N. & Q.," no knowledge should be lost for want of inquiry. In more than one publication it has been lately asserted, that presbyterian ministers take the following oath:
"We all subscribe, and with hands uplifted to the most High God do swear: 1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly through the grace of God, endeavour in our several places and callings to bring the church of God in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, confession of faith, form of church government, &c. 2. That we shall in like manner, without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of popery and prelacy (that is, church government by archbishops, bishops, deans, and others.)"
The Bishop of Exeter, in a recent pamphlet, inserts this parenthesis:
"(Whether this actual subscription and oath be still continued, I know not: but the covenant is still a part of the Kirk's symbolical book, and published as such for the education of the people)."
Will some friend north of the Tweed be kind enough to settle this point?
C. T.